There are an estimated 54,453 households in the district and the charity is urging residents to have a rummage and donate any unwanted items to one of their shops to help them in the fight against bad housing and homelessness.

It is estimated that there is more than £2billion worth of unworn and unwanted clothing in Scotland which could instead be used to help vulnerable people across the country, according to the leading charity.

Last year in East Ayrshire there were 257 households assessed as homeless, while there are currently 4,361 households on waiting lists for a home of their own.

Shelter Scotland says it accepts all donations, regardless of the age or condition of items. According to the charity just £10 can help a family or individual facing homelessness or bad housing though its free national helpline.

Graeme Brown, Director of Shelter Scotland, said: “The total cost of unworn clothes is a staggering £2.4 billion in Scotland. Even a very small fraction of that could help Shelter Scotland to continue our fight against bad housing and homelessness.

“It costs just £10 for one of our expert advisors to help a family or individual at risk of losing their home – we can raise that money by selling an unwanted jumper or pair shoes. £45 is enough to train an advisor to protect children at risk, and that money could be raised from selling an unwanted winter coat that’s taking up space in someone’s wardrobe.

“We hope that the people of East Ayrshire will continue to support us, because without their help and generosity our fight to end bad housing and homelessness would be so much harder."

It is estimated that £140 million worth - 350,000 tonnes - of used clothing goes to landfill in the UK every year – clothes which Shelter Scotland says could be donated to charity.

Mr Brown added: “We’ve all got clothes we no longer wear or need. If every person in Scotland donated just one item to a Shelter Scotland shop it would make a world of difference. Shelter Scotland believes that everybody deserves a home. Our work won’t stop until there's a home for everyone.” Visit www.shelterscotland.org for details of your nearest shop and other information on the charity.